Deadline: 07-Apr-2026
The CultureAndHealth Platform Fund supports emerging European artists working at the intersection of culture, healthcare, and social sectors. The program provides funding, international mobility, training, networking, and project implementation opportunities to foster cross-sector collaboration and enhance well-being through artistic practice. Grants range up to €27,000 per project depending on the strand.
Program Overview
The CultureAndHealth Platform Fund aims to promote cultural engagement in health and social care contexts across Malta and Europe. The initiative strengthens partnerships between artists, healthcare providers, and social organisations, encouraging innovative practices that improve well-being and community participation.
Objectives
- Strengthen cross-sector collaboration at local, national, and international levels
- Promote the role of culture in health and well-being
- Support emerging artists in developing projects and research in healthcare and social sectors
- Encourage community engagement and sustainable partnerships
- Highlight diverse cultural expression within Malta and European contexts
Funding and Opportunities
The fund provides:
- Financial support for project implementation and international mobility
- International mobility opportunities for learning, mentoring, and networking
- Training and capacity-building activities
- Peer networking and showcasing platforms for artistic work
Funding Strands
Strand 1 – International Learning Mobility
- Supports emerging artists in shadowing, mentoring, and peer-learning experiences abroad
- Opportunities include:
- Artists must select one opportunity, justify its relevance to their practice, and secure a letter of intent from the host organisation
- Funding: Up to €9,000 per project (with smaller allocations of €3,000 in specific cases)
Strand 2 – Project Implementation
- Supports emerging artists leading projects that improve quality of life and cultural access within healthcare or social care settings
- Eligible project examples:
- Participatory art programs for individuals with physical or mental health conditions
- Artistic interventions in healthcare environments
- Performances or exhibitions addressing health-related themes
- Artist residencies in care settings
- Practice-based research projects
- Funding: Up to €27,000 per project (with smaller allocations of €9,000 in specific cases)
Eligibility
- Strand 1: Maltese or Malta-based emerging individual artists and creative professionals
- Strand 2: Individual artists, registered entities, collectives, cooperatives, and voluntary organisations led by emerging artists
- Emerging artist definition: Professionals establishing themselves in the culture, health, and care sectors with:
- Relevant experience
- Minimum three years of artistic practice, or
- A transition into the interdisciplinary field
- All applications undergo technical and artistic eligibility screening before evaluation
How to Apply
- Determine Strand: Select Strand 1 (mobility) or Strand 2 (project implementation)
- Prepare Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to healthcare or social care settings
- Secure Supporting Documents: Letters of intent for Strand 1; evidence of emerging artist leadership for Strand 2
- Budget Planning: Ensure requested funding aligns with the maximum limits for your strand
- Submit Application: Follow the official portal instructions and adhere to deadlines
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened collaboration between culture and health sectors
- Enhanced community engagement and well-being through artistic practice
- Increased professional development and international exposure for emerging artists
- Promotion of inclusive cultural participation and sustainable artistic initiatives
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate how the project links culture with health or social care
- Highlight the emerging artist’s role in project leadership
- Include measurable impact indicators for well-being or community outcomes
- Ensure all documents meet the eligibility criteria
- Justify international mobility choices with learning objectives and relevance to practice
FAQ
1. Who can apply for Strand 1? Maltese or Malta-based emerging individual artists and creative professionals
2. Who can apply for Strand 2? Individual artists, collectives, cooperatives, or registered entities led by emerging artists
3. What is an emerging artist? A professional with at least three years of practice, relevant experience, or transitioning into culture, health, and social care fields
4. What is the maximum funding available? Up to €9,000 for Strand 1 and €27,000 for Strand 2
5. Are collaborative projects eligible? Yes, especially when led by emerging artists and involving cross-sector partnerships
6. Are letters of intent required? Yes, for Strand 1 international mobility opportunities
7. How are applications evaluated? Through technical and artistic eligibility screening, assessing relevance, impact, and feasibility
Conclusion
The CultureAndHealth Platform Fund offers a unique opportunity for emerging European artists to innovate at the intersection of art, health, and social sectors. By funding projects and mobility experiences, the initiative strengthens cross-sector collaboration, fosters professional development, and enhances community well-being through creative practice.
For more information, visit Arts Council Malta.